Sea Scouts

The Sea Scouts is a specialized segment of the Venturing program, which was organized to address members’ boating skills and promote knowledge of our maritime heritage. The program is open to boys and girls who are at least 14 years old (or 13 years of age and have completed eighth grade) and under 21.

Sea Scout units, called “ships,” focus on sailing and cruising either sailboats or power vessels. During the boating seasons, Sea Scouts learn to maintain and operate their vessel, with a focus on learning the safe and proper methods of handling boats. Sea Scouts also learn the meaning of buoys and lights, how to take advantage of wind and tide and how to drop anchor or approach a dock.

Most ships hold formal meetings conducted in either full dress or work uniforms. Swimming, lifesaving, first aid, Coast Guard Auxiliary Sailing and Seamanship, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses are taught to the ships by our own officers. The state safe boating course is also offered by many ships. Occasionally movies are shown, contests between crews are held, or intership visits are arranged.

Sea Scouting offers young adults the opportunity to travel and learn skills that could be useful in future careers. The program extends far beyond sea-going events and trips; it offers a variety of social events, training and leadership experience. Whether you’re steering the vessel from the wheelhouse, learning engine room repair or visiting a new port on one of the many trips, there’s something you’ll enjoy in Sea Scouting. So, try something different, check us out, and prepare yourself to set sail for a real adventure.

Ship 228

Ship 228 operates the Sea Dart II, one of the largest Sea Scout vessels on the east coast, along with a fleet of smaller vessels, including sailboats, from their base located in Linden, NJ. Our vast resources combine to offer the most diverse Sea Scouting program in the area. Ship 228 is chartered by the Rahway Yacht Club.

Ship 228 is male only at this time because of available berthing on the Sea Dart II.

Ship 243

UPDATE: BSA Young Adult Registration Effective 1 March 2015 and Program Participation

In 2014 the BSA National Executive Board approved a resolution to establish consistency in the registration requirements across all programs, regardless of participant age. The purpose of this resolution is to ensure that moving forward, participants who are 18 but not yet 21 register as adults. However, this does not affect their eligibility to participate in programs such as Venturing and Sea Scouting.

The primary purpose of the change is to ensure that all persons legally considered adults meet adult membership requirements, including undergoing a criminal background check and meeting the BSA’s Youth Protection requirements and membership standards. The changes are required to allow the performance of criminal background checks in connection with the registration process.

New Venturing and Sea Scouting participants 18 but not yet 21, must complete an Adult Application and Criminal Background Check Disclosure/Authorization form.

To support this change, the youth and adult applications have been revised. The new Youth Application, No. 524-406 (SKU 619506), and the new Adult Application, No. 524-501 (SKU 619504), should be used starting March 1, 2015. Spanish versions of the Youth Application, No. 524-423 (SKU 619507), and the Adult Application, No. 524-502 (SKU 619505), are also available.

Position code for young adult Venturers and Sea Scouts (age 18 but not yet 21 years old) is “VP”.

Venturers and Sea Scouts under age 21 will still be considered to be youth members (“Scouts”) in crews and ships (and also in the Order of the Arrow). These young adults may continue to serve in youth leadership roles, such as Crew President, Sea Scout Boatswain, etc., and will still be eligible for Venturing/Sea Scout advancement and youth recognition. They will still not be eligible to hold the adult positions listed above in the address line (on the application), which will still require members to be minimum of age 21.

As of March 1, 2015, the BSA local councils will not be able to accept BSA Youth Applications for member applicants age 18 and older, as those forms do not contain the required information and consent agreement language needed to conduct a criminal background check.